Non-invasive ultrasonic body contouring

ABSTRACT

A methodology and system for lysing adipose tissue including directing ultrasonic energy at a multiplicity of target volumes within the region, which target volumes contain adipose tissue, thereby to selectively lyse the adipose tissue in the target volumes and generally not lyse non-adipose tissue in the target volumes and computerized tracking of the multiplicity of target volumes notwithstanding movement of the body.

REFERENCE TO COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX

[0001] A computer program listing appendix is submitted herewith on onecompact disc and one duplicate compact disc. The total number of compactdiscs including duplicates is two. The files on the compact disc aresoftware object code for carrying out a preferred embodiment of theinvention. Their names, dates of creation, directory locations, andsizes in bytes are:

[0002] Directory apndx-A containing file TRACKOBJ.HEX (Appendix A) ofOct. 25, 2001 and of length 233,286 bytes.

[0003] The files are referred to herein as Appendix A. The material onthe compact discs is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to lipolysis generally and moreparticularly to ultrasonic lipolysis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The following U.S. Pat. Nos. are believed to represent thecurrent state of the art: 4,986,275; 5,143,063; 5,143,073; 5,209,221;5,301,660; 5,431,621; 5,507,790; 5,526,815; 5,884,631; 6,039,048;6,071,239; 6,113,558; 6,206,873

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention seeks to provide improved apparatus andmethodology for ultrasonic lipolysis.

[0007] There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention a method for lysing adipose tissue includingthe steps of:

[0008] directing focussed ultrasonic energy at a target volume in aregion of a body containing adipose tissue; and

[0009] modulating the focussed ultrasonic energy so as to selectivelylyse the adipose tissue in the target volume and generally not lysenon-adipose tissue in the target volume.

[0010] Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, there is provided a method for lysing adipose tissueincluding the steps of:

[0011] generating, at a source outside a body, ultrasonic energy whichselectively generally lyses adipose tissue and generally does not lysenon-adipose tissue; and

[0012] directing the ultrasonic energy, from the source outside thebody, at a target volume of a body containing adipose tissue.

[0013] Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention there is provided a method for lysing adipose tissue includingthe steps of:

[0014] defining a region in a body at least partially by detectingspatial indications on the body; and

[0015] directing ultrasonic energy at a multiplicity of target volumeswithin the region, which target volumes contain adipose tissue, therebyto selectively lyse the adipose tissue in the target volumes andgenerally not lyse non-adipose tissue in the target volumes.

[0016] Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, there is provided a method for lysing adipose tissueincluding the steps of:

[0017] directing ultrasonic energy at a multiplicity of target volumeswithin the region, which target volumes contain adipose tissue, therebyto selectively lyse the adipose tissue in the target volumes andgenerally not lyse non-adipose tissue in the target volumes; and

[0018] computerized tracking of the multiplicity of target volumesnotwithstanding movement of the body.

[0019] There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention apparatus for lysing adipose tissueincluding:

[0020] a focussed ultrasonic energy director, directing focussedultrasonic energy at a target volume in a region of a body containingadipose tissue; and

[0021] a modulator, cooperating with the energy director to produce afocussed ultrasonic energy so as to selectively lyse the adipose tissuein the target volume and generally not lyse non-adipose tissue in thetarget volume.

[0022] There is further provided in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention apparatus for lysing adipose tissueincluding:

[0023] a source outside a body generating ultrasonic energy;

[0024] an ultrasonic energy director, which employs the ultrasonicenergy to selectively generally lyse adipose tissue and generally notlyse non-adipose tissue in a target volume of a body containing adiposetissue.

[0025] There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention apparatus for lysing adipose tissueincluding the steps of:

[0026] a region definer, defining a region in a body at least partiallyby detecting spatial indications on the body; and

[0027] a director, directing ultrasonic energy at a multiplicity oftarget volumes within the region, which target volumes contain adiposetissue thereby to selectively lyse the adipose tissue in the targetvolumes and generally not lyse non-adipose tissue in the target volumes.

[0028] There is still further provided in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention apparatus for lysing adipose tissueincluding:

[0029] a director, directing ultrasonic energy at a multiplicity oftarget volumes within the region, which target volumes contain adiposetissue, thereby to selectively lyse the adipose tissue in the targetvolumes and generally not lyse non-adipose tissue in the target volumes;and

[0030] computerized tracking functionality providing computerizedtracking of the multiplicity of target volumes notwithstanding movementof the body.

[0031] Preferably, directing focussed ultrasonic energy generallyprevents lysis of tissue outside of the target volume.

[0032] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the method also includes ultrasonic imaging of the region atleast partially concurrently with directing the focussed ultrasonicenergy at the target volume.

[0033] Preferably, directing includes positioning at least oneultrasonic transducer relative to the body in order to direct thefocussed ultrasonic energy at the target volume.

[0034] The directing may also include varying the focus of at least oneultrasonic transducer in order to direct the focussed ultrasonic energyat the target volume. Varying the focus may change the volume of thetarget volume, and/or the distance of the target volume from the atleast one ultrasonic transducer.

[0035] The directing may also include positioning at least oneultrasonic transducer relative to the body in order to direct thefocussed ultrasonic energy at the target volume.

[0036] The method preferably also includes sensing ultrasonic energycoupling to an external surface of the body adjacent the target volume.

[0037] The method preferably additionally includes sensing of cavitationat the target volume.

[0038] Preferably, directing takes place from an ultrasonic transducerlocated outside of the body.

[0039] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the ultrasonic energy has a frequency in a range of 50KHz-1000 KHz, more preferably in a range of 100 KHz-500 KHz, and mostpreferably in a range of 150 KHz-300 KHz.

[0040] Preferably, the modulating provides a duty cycle between 1:2 and1:250, more preferably between 1:5 and 1:30 and most preferably between1:10 and 1:20.

[0041] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the modulating provides between 2 and 1000 sequential cyclesat an amplitude above a cavitation threshold, more preferably between 25and 500 sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitation thresholdand most preferably between 100 and 300 sequential cycles at anamplitude above a cavitation threshold.

[0042] Preferably, the modulating includes modulating the amplitude ofthe ultrasonic energy over time.

[0043] Preferably, directing includes directing focussed ultrasonicenergy at a multiplicity of target volumes in a time sequence.

[0044] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, directing includes directing focussed ultrasonic energy atplural ones of the multiplicity of target volumes at times which atleast partially overlap.

[0045] Preferably, at least some of the multiplicity of target volumesat least partially overlap in space.

[0046] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the method includes defining the region by marking at leastone surface of the body. The method may also include defining the regionby selecting at least one depth in the body and/or by detecting adiposetissue in the body and/or by detecting non-lysed adipose tissue.

[0047] Preferably, directing also includes defining the target volumesas unit volumes of non-lysed adipose tissue within the region.

[0048] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, modulating the ultrasonic energy so as to selectively lysethe adipose tissue in the multiplicity of target volumes proceedssequentially in time wherein selective lysis of adipose tissue in eachtarget volume takes place only following detection of non-lysed adiposetissue therein.

[0049] Preferably, the method also includes computerized tracking of themultiplicity of target volumes notwithstanding movement of the body.

[0050] Preferably, the computerized tracking includes sensing changes inthe position of markings on the body and employing sensed changes fortracking the positions of the target volumes in the body.

[0051] Preferably, the modulation provides a decreasing amplitude overtime which exceeds a cavitation threshold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The present invention will be understood and appreciated morefully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction withthe drawings in which:

[0053]FIG. 1 is a simplified pictorial illustration of the generalstructure and operation of ultrasonic lipolysis apparatus constructedand operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0054]FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram illustration of a preferredpower source and modulator showing a pattern of variation of ultrasonicpressure over time in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0055]FIGS. 3A and 3B are simplified pictorial illustrations of theappearance of an operator interface display during normal operation andfaulty operation respectively;

[0056]FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram illustration of an ultrasoniclipolysis system constructed and operative in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0057]FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are together a simplified flowchartillustrating operator steps in carrying out lipolysis in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SOFTWARE APPENDIX

[0058] Appendix A is software listing of computer software is objectcode on a CD ROM for carrying out a preferred embodiment of theinvention in accordance with the best mode known to the inventors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0059] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of the general structure and operation of ultrasoniclipolysis apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 1, anultrasonic energy generator and director, such as an ultrasonictransducer 10, disposed outside a body, generates ultrasonic energywhich, by suitable placement of the transducer 10 relative to the body,is directed to a target volume 12 inside the body and is operative toselectively generally lyse adipose tissue and generally not lysenon-adipose tissue in the target volume.

[0060] A preferred embodiment of ultrasonic energy generator anddirector useful in the present invention comprises an ultrasonictherapeutic transducer 13 including a curved phased array 14 ofpiezoelectric elements 15, typically defining a portion of a sphere orof a cylinder, and having conductive coatings 16 on opposite surfacesthereof. The piezoelectric elements 15 may be of any suitableconfiguration, shape and distribution. An intermediate element 18,formed of a material, such as polyurethane, which has acoustic impedancesimilar to that of soft mammalian tissue, generally fills the curvaturedefined by phased array 14 and defines a contact surface 20 forengagement with the body, typically via a suitable coupling gel (notshown). Contact surface 20 may be planar, but need not be.

[0061] Suitably modulated AC electrical power is supplied by conductors22 to conductive coatings 16 to cause the piezoelectric elements 15 toprovide a desired focussed acoustic energy output.

[0062] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention an imaging ultrasonic transducer subassembly 23 isincorporated within transducer 10 and typically comprises apiezoelectric element 24 having conductive surfaces 26 associated withopposite surfaces thereof. Suitably modulated AC electrical power issupplied by conductors 32 to conductive surfaces 26 in order to causethe piezoelectric element 24 to provide an acoustic energy output.Conductors 32, coupled to surfaces 26, also provide an imaging outputfrom imaging ultrasonic transducer subassembly 23.

[0063] It is appreciated that any suitable commercially availableultrasonic transducer may be employed or alternatively, imagingultrasonic transducer subassembly 23 may be eliminated.

[0064] It is further appreciated that various types of ultrasonictransducers 10 may be employed. For example, such transducers mayinclude multiple piezoelectric elements, multilayered piezoelectricelements and piezoelectric elements of various shapes and sizes arrangedin a phase array.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.1, the ultrasonic energy generator and director are combined intransducer 10. Alternatively, the functions of generating ultrasonicenergy and focussing such energy may be provided by distinct devices.

[0066] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, a skin temperature sensor 34, such as an infrared sensor, maybe mounted alongside imaging ultrasonic transducer subassembly 23.Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention a transducer temperature sensor 36, such as a thermocouple,may also be mounted alongside imaging ultrasonic transducer subassembly23.

[0067] Ultrasonic transducer 10 preferably receives suitably modulatedelectrical power from a power source and modulator assembly 40, formingpart of a control subsystem 42. Control subsystem 42 also typicallyincludes a lipolysis control computer 44, having associated therewith acamera 46, such as a video camera, and a display 48. A preferredembodiment of power source and modulator assembly 40 is illustrated inFIG. 2 and described hereinbelow. Ultrasonic transducer 10 is preferablypositioned automatically or semi-automatically as by an X-Y-Zpositioning assembly 49. Alternatively, ultrasonic transducer 10 may bepositioned at desired positions by an operator.

[0068] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, camera 46 is operative for imaging a portion of the body onwhich lipolysis is to be performed. A picture of the portion of thepatient's body viewed by the camera is preferably displayed in real timeon display 48.

[0069] An operator may designate the outline of a region containingadipose tissue. In accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention, designation of this region is effected by an operator markingthe skin of a patient with an outline 50, which outline is imaged bycamera 46 and displayed by display 48 and is also employed by thelipolysis control computer 44 for controlling the application ofultrasonic energy to locations within the region. A computer calculatedrepresentation of the outline may also be displayed on display 48, asdesignated by reference numeral 52. Alternatively, the operator may makea virtual marking on the skin, such as by using a digitizer (not shown),which also may provide computer calculated outline representation 52 ondisplay 48.

[0070] In addition to the outline representation 52, the functionalityof the system of the present invention preferably also employs aplurality of markers 54 which are typically located outside the regioncontaining adipose tissue, but may be located inside the regiondesignated by outline 50. Markers 54 are visually sensible markers,which are clearly seen by camera 46, captured by camera 46 and displayedon display 48. Markers 54 may be natural anatomic markers, such asdistinct portions of the body or alternatively artificial markers suchas colored stickers. These markers are preferably employed to assist thesystem in dealing with deformation of the region nominally defined byoutline 50 due to movement and reorientation of the body. Preferably,the transducer 10 also bears a visible marker 56 which is also capturedby camera 46 and displayed on display 48.

[0071] Markers 54 and 56 are typically processed by computer 44 and maybe displayed on display 48 as respective computed marker representations58 and 60 on display 48.

[0072]FIG. 1 illustrates the transducer 10 being positioned on the bodyover a location within the region containing adipose tissue. Blocksdesignated by reference numerals 62 and 64 show typical portions of aregion containing adipose tissue, respectively before and afterlipolysis in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Itis seen from a comparison of blocks 62 and 64 that, in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention, within the regioncontaining adipose tissue, the adipose tissue, designated by referencenumeral 66, is lysed, while non-adipose tissue, such as connectivetissue, designated by reference numeral 68, is not lysed.

[0073] Reference is now FIG. 2, which is a simplified block diagramillustration of a preferred power source and modulator assembly 40 (FIG.1), showing a pattern of variation of ultrasonic pressure over time inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seenin FIG. 2, the power source and modulator assembly 40 preferablycomprises a signal generator 100 which provides a time varying signalwhich is modulated so as to have a series of relatively high amplitudeportions 102 separated in time by a series of typically relatively lowamplitude portions 104. Each relatively high amplitude portion 102preferably corresponds to a cavitation period and preferably has adecreasing amplitude over time.

[0074] Preferably the relationship between the time durations ofportions 102 and portions 104 is such as to provide a duty cycle between1:2 and 1:250, more preferably between 1:5 and 1:30 and most preferablybetween 1:10 and 1:20.

[0075] Preferably, the output of signal generator 100 has a frequency ina range of 50 KHz-1000 KHz, more preferably between 100 KHz-500 KHz andmost preferably between 150 KHz-300 KHz.

[0076] The output of signal generator 100 is preferably provided to asuitable power amplifier 106, which outputs via impedance matchingcircuitry 108 to an input of ultrasonic transducer 10 (FIG. 1), whichconverts the electrical signal received thereby to a correspondingultrasonic energy output. As seen in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic energyoutput comprises a time varying signal which is modulatedcorrespondingly to the output of signal generator 100 so as to having aseries of relatively high amplitude portions 112, corresponding toportions 102, separated in time by a series of typically relatively lowamplitude portions 114, corresponding to portions 104.

[0077] Each relatively high amplitude portion 102 preferably correspondsto a cavitation period and has an amplitude at a target volume 12(FIG. 1) in the body which exceeds a cavitation maintaining threshold120 and preferably has a decreasing amplitude over time. At least aninitial pulse of each relatively high amplitude portion 112 has anamplitude at the target volume 12, which also exceeds a cavitationinitiation threshold 122.

[0078] Relatively low amplitude portions 114 have an amplitude whichlies below both thresholds 120 and 122.

[0079] Preferably the relationship between the time durations ofportions 112 and portions 114 is such as to provide a duty cycle between1:2 and 1:250, more preferably between 1:5 and 1:30 and most preferablybetween 1:10 and 1:20.

[0080] Preferably, the ultrasonic energy output of ultrasonic transducer10 has a frequency in a range of 50 KHz-1000 KHz, more preferablybetween 100 KHz-500 KHz and most preferably between 150 KHz-300 KHz.

[0081] Preferably, each high amplitude portion 112 is comprised ofbetween 2 and 1000 sequential cycles at an amplitude above thecavitation maintaining threshold 120, more preferably between 25 and 500sequential cycles at an amplitude above the cavitation maintainingthreshold 120 and most preferably between 100 and 300 sequential cyclesat an amplitude above the cavitation maintaining threshold 120.

[0082] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which are simplifiedpictorial illustrations of the appearance of an operator interfacedisplay during normal operation and faulty operation respectively. Asseen in FIG. 3A, during normal operation, display 48 typically shows aplurality of target volumes 12 (FIG. 1) within a calculated targetregion 200, typically delimited by outline representation 52 (FIG. 1).Additionally, display 48 preferably provides one or more pre-programmedperformance messages 202 and status messages 203.

[0083] It is seen the various target volumes 12 are shown with differentshading in order to indicate their treatment status. For example,unshaded target volumes, here designated by reference numerals 204 havealready experienced lipolysis. A blackened target volume 12, designatedby reference numeral 205 is the target volume next in line forlipolysis. A partially shaded target volume 206 typically represents atarget volume which has been insufficiently treated to achieve completelipolysis, typically due to an insufficient treatment duration.

[0084] Other types of target volumes, such as those not to be treateddue to insufficient presence of adipose tissue therein or for otherreasons, may be designated by suitable colors or other designations, andare here indicated by reference numerals 208 and 210.

[0085] Typical performance messages 202 may include “CAVITATION INPROCESS” and “FAT LYSED IN THIS VOLUME”. Typical status messages 203 mayinclude an indication of the power level, the operating frequency, thenumber of target volumes 12 within the calculated target region 200 andthe number of target volumes 12 which remain to undergo lipolysis.

[0086] Display 48 also preferably includes an graphical cross sectionalindication 212 derived from an ultrasonic image preferably provided byimaging ultrasonic transducer subassembly 23 (FIG. 1). Indication 212preferably indicates various tissues in the body in cross section andshows the target volumes 12 in relation thereto. In accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention, indication 212 may alsoprovide a visually sensible indication of cavitation within the targetvolume 12.

[0087] Turning to FIG. 3B, it is seen that during abnormal operation,display 48 provides pre-programmed warning messages 214.

[0088] Typical warning messages may include “BAD ACOUSTIC CONTACT”,“TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH”. The “TEMPERATURE TOO HIGH” message typicallyrelates to the skin tissue, although it may alternatively oradditionally relate to other tissue inside or outside of the targetvolume or in transducer 10 (FIG. 1).

[0089] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which illustrates an ultrasoniclipolysis system constructed and operative in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention. As described hereinabovewith reference to FIG. 1 and as seen in FIG. 4, the ultrasonic lipolysissystem comprises a lipolysis control computer 44 which outputs to adisplay 48. Lipolysis control computer 44 preferably receives inputsfrom video camera 46 (FIG. 1) and from a temperature measurement unit300, which receives temperature threshold settings as well as inputsfrom skin temperature sensor 34 (FIG. 1) and transducer temperaturesensor 36 (FIG. 1). Temperature measurement unit 300 preferably comparesthe outputs of both sensors 34 and 36 with appropriate thresholdsettings and provides an indication to lipolysis control computer 44 ofexceedance of either threshold.

[0090] Lipolysis control computer 44 also preferably receives an inputfrom an acoustic contact monitoring unit 302, which in turn preferablyreceives an input from a transducer electrical properties measurementunit 304. Transducer electrical properties measurement unit 304preferably monitors the output of power source and modulator assembly 40(FIG. 1) to ultrasonic therapeutic transducer 13.

[0091] An output of transducer electrical properties measurement unit304 is preferably also supplied to a power meter 306, which provides anoutput to the lipolysis control computer 44 and a feedback output topower source and modulator assembly 40.

[0092] Lipolysis control computer 44 also preferably receives inputsfrom cavitation detection functionality 308, tissue layer identificationfunctionality 310 and lysed adipose tissue identification functionality312, all of which receive inputs from ultrasonic reflection analysisfunctionality 314. Ultrasonic reflection analysis functionality 314receives ultrasonic imaging inputs from an ultrasonic imaging subsystem316, which operates ultrasonic imaging transducer 23 (FIG. 1).

[0093] Lipolysis control computer 44 provides outputs to power sourceand modulator assembly 40, for operating ultrasonic therapeutictransducer 13, and to ultrasonic imaging subsystem 316, for operatingultrasonic imaging transducer 23. A positioning control unit 318 alsoreceives an output from lipolysis control computer 44 for driving X-Y-Zpositioning assembly 49 (FIG. 1) in order to correctly positiontransducer 10, which includes ultrasonic therapeutic transducer 13 andultrasonic imaging transducer 23.

[0094] Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, which are togethera simplified flowchart illustrating operator steps in carrying outlipolysis in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. As seen in FIG. 4A, initially an operator preferably draws anoutline 50 (FIG. 1) on a patient's body. Preferably, the operator alsoadheres stereotactic markers 54 (FIG. 1) to the patient's body andplaces transducer 10, bearing marker 56, at a desired location withinoutline 50.

[0095] Camera 46 (FIG. 1) captures outline 50 and markers 54 and 56.Preferably, outline 50 and markers 54 and 56 are displayed on display 48in real time. The output of camera 46 is also preferably supplied to amemory associated with lipolysis control computer 44 (FIG. 1).

[0096] A computerized tracking functionality preferably embodied inlipolysis control computer 44 preferably employs the output of camera 46for computing outline representation 52, which may be displayed for theoperator on display 48. The computerized tracking functionality alsopreferably computes coordinates of target volumes for lipolysistreatment, as well as adding up the total volume of tissue sought toundergo lipolysis.

[0097] Preferably, the operator confirms the locations of markers 54 and56 on display 48 and the computerized tracking functionality calculatescorresponding marker representations 58 and 60.

[0098] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the computerized tracking functionality employs markers 54 andmarker representations 58 for continuously maintaining registration ofoutline 50 with respect to outline representation 52, and thus of targetvolumes 12 with respect to the patient's body, notwithstanding movementsof the patients body during treatment, such as due to breathing or anyother movements, such as the patient leaving and returning to thetreatment location.

[0099] The computerized tracking functionality selects an initial targetvolume to be treated and positioning control unit 318 (FIG. 4), computesthe required repositioning of transducer 10. X-Y-Z positioning assembly49 repositions transducer 10 to overlie the selected target volume.

[0100] Referring additionally to FIG. 5B, it is seen that followingrepositioning of transducer 10, the lipolysis control computer 44confirms accurate positioning of transducer 10 with respect to theselected target volume. The ultrasonic imaging subsystem 316 (FIG. 4)operates ultrasonic imaging transducer 23, causing it to provide anultrasonic reflection analysis functionality 314 for analysis.

[0101] Based on an output from ultrasonic reflection analysisfunctionality 314, the thicknesses of the various tissue layers of thepatient are determined. Upon receiving an indication of the tissue layerthicknesses, an operator may approve the selected target volume andactivates the power source and modulator assembly 40 (FIG. 1).

[0102] Turning additionally to FIG. 5C, it is seen that the followingfunctionalities take place:

[0103] Transducer electrical properties measurement unit 304 provides anoutput to acoustic contact monitoring unit 302, which determines whethersufficient acoustic contact with the patient is present, preferably byanalyzing the current and voltage at therapeutic transducer 13.

[0104] Transducer electrical properties measurement unit 304 provides anoutput to power meter 306, which computes the average electrical powerreceived by the therapeutic transducer 13. If the average electricalpower received by the therapeutic transducer 13 exceeds a predeterminedthreshold, operation of the power source and modulator assembly 40 maybe automatically terminated.

[0105] Skin temperature sensor 34 measures the current temperature ofthe skin at transducer 10 and supplies it to temperature measurementunit 300, which compares the skin temperature to the thresholdtemperature. Similarly, transducer temperature sensor 36 measures thecurrent temperature at transducer 10 and supplies it to temperaturemeasurement unit 300, which compares the transducer temperature to thethreshold temperature. The outputs of temperature measurement unit 300are supplied to lipolysis control computer 44.

[0106] The ultrasonic imaging subsystem 316 operates ultrasonic imagingtransducer 23 and receives an imaging output, which is analyzed byultrasonic reflection analysis functionality 314. The result of thisanalysis is employed for cavitation detection and a cavitation detectionoutput is supplied to lipolysis control computer 44.

[0107] Should any of the following four conditions occur, the powersource and modulator assembly 40 automatically terminates operation oftherapeutic transducer 13. Should none of the following conditionsoccur, the automatic operation of power source and modulator assembly 40continues:

[0108] 1. Acoustic contact is insufficient.

[0109] 2. Skin temperature exceeds threshold temperature level.

[0110] 3. Transducer 13 temperature exceeds threshold temperature level.

[0111] 4. Cavitation is not detected.

[0112] Returning to FIG. 5B, it is noted that during automatic operationof power source and modulator assembly 40, video camera 46 preferablyrecords the target region and notes whether the transducer 10 remainedstationary during the entire treatment duration of the selected targetvolume 12. If so, and if none of the aforesaid four conditions tookplace, lipolysis control computer 44 confirms that the selected targetvolume was treated. The computerized tracking functionality of lipolysiscontrol computer 44 then proposes a further target volume 12 to betreated.

[0113] If, however, the transducer 10 did not remain stationary for asufficient duration, the selected target volume is designated bylipolysis control computer 44 as having been insufficiently treated.

[0114] It is appreciated that by using multiple transducers multiplicityof target volumes can be treated at various time patterns such assequential time patterns or partially overlapping time patterns.

[0115] It is also appreciated that the multiplicity of target volumesmay also overlap in space or partially overlap in space.

[0116] The currently available best mode of the computational trackingfunctionality is set forth in Appendix A, includes the following steps:

[0117] 1) Provide a PC computer, such as an Intel-based Pentium III 800MHz computer with Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system, a hard diskwith a minimal capacity of 10 GB, 1 available PCI slot and a 17″computer screen.

[0118] 2) Matrox Orion Frame Grabber Hardwareinstallation/configuration:

[0119] a) Remove/Disable the VGA board present in the PC computer.

[0120] b) Place the Matrox Orion Frame Grabber board available fromMatrox (1055 boul. St-Regis, Dorval, Quebec Canada H9P 2T4) into anavailable PCI slot in the PC computer.

[0121] c) Under Microsoft Windows 2000, on booting the computer,Microsoft Windows′ Plug-and-Play system detects a new Multimedia VideoDevice and requests to assign it a driver. At this point, click Cancel.

[0122] d) Install the JAI CV-S3200 DSP Surveillance Color CCD Cameraavailable from JAI America Inc., 23046 Avenida de la Carlota, Suite 450,Laguna Hills, Calif. 92653 United States and connect to the Matrox OrionFramer Grabber.

[0123] e) Set the computer screen impedance switches, red, green, andblue inputs to 75 ohms.

[0124] f) Set the computer screen synchronization inputs to highimpedance and external sync mode.

[0125] g) Connect the computer screen to Matrox Orion's 15-pin femaleVGA output connector (DB-15).

[0126] 3) Matrox MIL-Lite software (version 6.1) installation:

[0127] a) Run the Matrox MIL-Lite setup.exe program and follow thedefault prompts .

[0128] b) Run the Matrix Expansion Pack (version 1.0).

[0129] c) Choose “PAL-YC mode of grabbing” when prompted

[0130] d) Establish the RS-232 serial communication between the PC andthe JAI camera by registering and installing the “JAI Camera ActiveXobject”

[0131] 4) Track Software Installation:

[0132] a) Create the following respective directories:

[0133] 1) <Track root>—a root directory for Track project

[0134] 2) <Track root>\Src—contains source code files

[0135] 3) <Track root>\Debug—contains an executable file for Trackproject

[0136] 4) <Track root>\Images—contains BMP files for debugging theinterior region detection process.

[0137] 5) <Track root>\Log—contains log files and BMP image of the scene

[0138] 6) <Track root>\Timing—contains timing data files for debugging

[0139] b) Copy the file TRACKOBJ.HEX in the \apndx-A folder stored inthe appended CD-ROM into a temporary directory.

[0140] c) Unhex the computer listing TRACKOBJ.HEX using HEX IT V1.8 orgreater by John Augustine, 3129 Earl St., Laureldale, Pa. 19605 creatingfile TRACKOBJ.ZIP

[0141] d) Decompress the file TRACKOBJ.ZIP using WINZIP version 6.2 orgreater, extracting all files into a temporary directory essentiallyextracting the following file objects:

[0142] 1) CAMERADLG.OBJ

[0143] 2) DISPLAYFUNCS.OBJ

[0144] 3) IMAGEPROC.OBJ

[0145] 4) INTERIORREGION.OBJ

[0146] 5) MARKERS.OBJ

[0147] 6) NODES.OBJ

[0148] 7) PARAMETERSDLG.OBJ

[0149] 8) STDAFX.OBJ

[0150] 9) TRACK.OBJ

[0151] 10) TRACK.RES

[0152] 11) TRACKDLG.OBJ

[0153] 12) TRANSDUCER.OBJ

[0154] 13) UTILS.OBJ

[0155] 14) VIDEOMATROX.OBJ

[0156] e) Compile the Object code stored in the temporary directorycreated in step 4 d using Microsoft Visual C++ compiler version 6.0 Theresulting application is created: TRACK.EXE

[0157] f) To run the Track software, execute the program TRACK.EXE andfollow the on-line help to operate the program.

[0158] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that thepresent invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present inventionincludes both combinations and subcombinations of the various featuresdescribed hereinabove as well as variations and modifications whichwould occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the specificationand which are not in the prior art.

1. A method for lysing adipose tissue comprising the steps of: directingfocussed ultrasonic energy at a target volume in a region of a bodycontaining adipose tissue; and modulating said focussed ultrasonicenergy so as to selectively lyse said adipose tissue in said targetvolume and generally not lyse non-adipose tissue in said target volume.2. A method for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 1 and whereinsaid directing focussed ultrasonic energy generally prevents lysis oftissue outside of said target volume.
 3. A method for lysing adiposetissue according to claim 1 and also comprising: ultrasonic imaging ofsaid region at least partially concurrently with directing said focussedultrasonic energy at said target volume.
 4. A method for lysing adiposetissue according to claim 1 and wherein said directing comprisespositioning at least one ultrasonic transducer relative to said body inorder to direct said focussed ultrasonic energy at said target volume.5. A method for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 1 and whereinsaid directing comprises varying the focus of at least one ultrasonictransducer in order to direct said focussed ultrasonic energy at saidtarget volume.
 6. A method for lysing adipose tissue according to claim5 and wherein varying the focus changes the volume of said targetvolume.
 7. A method for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 5 andwherein varying the focus changes the distance of said target volumefrom said at least one ultrasonic transducer.
 8. A method for lysingadipose tissue according to claim 3 and wherein said directing comprisespositioning at least one ultrasonic transducer relative to said body inorder to direct said focussed ultrasonic energy at said target volume.9. A method for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 3 and whereinsaid directing comprises varying the focus of at least one ultrasonictransducer in order to direct said focussed ultrasonic energy at saidtarget volume.
 10. A method for lysing adipose tissue according to claim9 and wherein varying the focus changes the volume of said targetvolume.
 11. A method for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 9 andwherein varying the focus changes the distance of said target volumefrom said at least one ultrasonic transducer.
 12. A method for lysingadipose tissue according to claim 1 and also comprising sensingultrasonic energy coupling to an external surface of said body adjacentsaid target volume.
 13. A method for lysing adipose tissue according toclaim 1 and also comprising sensing of cavitation at said target volume.14. A method for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 3 and alsocomprising sensing ultrasonic energy coupling to an external surface ofsaid body adjacent said target volume.
 15. A method for lysing adiposetissue according to claim 3 and also comprising sensing of cavitation atsaid target volume.
 16. A method according to claim 1 and wherein saiddirecting takes place from an ultrasonic transducer located outside ofthe body.
 17. A method according to claim 3 and wherein said directingtakes place from an ultrasonic transducer located outside of the body.18. A method according to claim 1 and wherein said ultrasonic energy hasa frequency in a range of 50 KHz-1000 KHz.
 19. A method according toclaim 1 and wherein said ultrasonic energy has a frequency in a range of100 KHz-500 KHz.
 20. A method according to claim 1 and wherein saidultrasonic energy has a frequency in a range of 150 KHz-300 KHz.
 21. Amethod according to claim 1 and wherein said modulating provides a dutycycle between 1:2 and 1:250.
 22. A method according to claim 1 andwherein said modulating provides a duty cycle between 1:5 and 1:30. 23.A method according to claim 1 and wherein said modulating provides aduty cycle between 1:10 and 1:20.
 24. A method according to claim 20 andwherein said modulating provides a duty cycle between 1:10 and 1:20. 25.A method according to claim 1 and wherein said modulating providesbetween 2 and 1000 sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitationthreshold.
 26. A method according to claim 1 and wherein said modulatingprovides between 25 and 500 sequential cycles at an amplitude above acavitation threshold.
 27. A method according to claim 1 and wherein saidmodulating provides between 100 and 300 sequential cycles at anamplitude above a cavitation threshold.
 28. A method according to claim20 and wherein said modulating provides between 100 and 300 sequentialcycles at an amplitude above a cavitation threshold.
 29. A methodaccording to claim 24 and wherein said modulating provides between 100and 300 sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitation threshold.30. A method according to claim 1 and wherein said modulating comprisesmodulating the amplitude of said ultrasonic energy over time.
 31. Amethod according to claim 3 and wherein said ultrasonic energy has afrequency in a range of 50 KHz-1000 KHz.
 32. A method according to claim3 and wherein said ultrasonic energy has a frequency in a range of 100KHz-500 KHz.
 33. A method according to claim 3 and wherein saidultrasonic energy has a frequency in a range of 150 KHz-300 KHz.
 34. Amethod according to claim 3 and wherein said modulating provides a dutycycle between 1:2 and 1:250.
 35. A method according to claim 3 andwherein said modulating provides a duty cycle between 1:5 and 1:30. 36.A method according to claim 3 and wherein said modulating provides aduty cycle between 1:10 and 1:20.
 37. A method according to claim 33 andwherein said modulating provides a duty cycle between 1:10 and 1:20. 38.A method according to claim 3 and wherein said modulating providesbetween 2 and 1000 sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitationthreshold.
 39. A method according to claim 3 and wherein said modulatingprovides between 25 and 500 sequential cycles at an amplitude above acavitation threshold.
 40. A method according to claim 3 and wherein saidmodulating provides between 100 and 300 sequential cycles at anamplitude above a cavitation threshold.
 41. A method according to claim33 and wherein said modulating provides between 100 and 300 sequentialcycles at an amplitude above a cavitation threshold.
 42. A methodaccording to claim 37 and wherein said modulating provides between 100and 300 sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitation threshold.43. A method according to claim 3 and wherein said modulating comprisesmodulating the amplitude of said ultrasonic energy over time.
 44. Amethod for lysing adipose tissue comprising the steps of: generating, ata source outside a body, ultrasonic energy which selectively generallylyses adipose tissue and generally does not lyse non-adipose tissue; anddirecting said ultrasonic energy, from said source outside said body, ata target volume of a body containing adipose tissue.
 45. A method forlysing adipose tissue according to claim 44 and wherein said directingultrasonic energy generally prevents lysis of tissue outside of saidtarget volume.
 46. A method for lysing adipose tissue according to claim44 and also comprising: ultrasonic imaging of said region at leastpartially concurrently with directing said ultrasonic energy at saidtarget volume.
 47. A method for lysing adipose tissue according to claim44 and wherein said directing comprises positioning at least oneultrasonic transducer relative to said body in order to direct saidultrasonic energy at said target volume.
 48. A method for lysing adiposetissue according to claim 44 and wherein said directing comprisesvarying the focus of at least one ultrasonic transducer in order todirect said focussed ultrasonic energy at said target volume.
 49. Amethod for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 48 and whereinvarying the focus changes the volume of said target volume.
 50. A methodfor lysing adipose tissue according to claim 48 and wherein varying thefocus changes the distance of said target volume from said at least oneultrasonic transducer.
 51. A method for lysing adipose tissue accordingto claim 46 and wherein said directing comprises positioning at leastone ultrasonic transducer relative to said body in order to direct saidultrasonic energy at said target volume.
 52. A method for lysing adiposetissue according to claim 46 and wherein said directing comprisesvarying the focus of at least one ultrasonic transducer in order todirect said focussed ultrasonic energy at said target volume.
 53. Amethod for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 50 and whereinvarying the focus changes the volume of said target volume.
 54. A methodfor lysing adipose tissue according to claim 50 and wherein varying thefocus changes the distance of said target volume from said at least oneultrasonic transducer.
 55. A method for lysing adipose tissue accordingto claim 44 and also comprising sensing ultrasonic energy coupling to anexternal surface of said body adjacent said target volume.
 56. A methodfor lysing adipose tissue according to claim 44 and also comprisingsensing of cavitation at said target volume.
 57. A method for lysingadipose tissue according to claim 46 and also comprising sensingultrasonic energy coupling to an external surface of said body adjacentsaid target volume.
 58. A method for lysing adipose tissue according toclaim 46 and also comprising sensing of cavitation at said targetvolume.
 59. A method according to claim 44 and wherein said ultrasonicenergy has a frequency in a range of 50 KHz-1000 KHz.
 60. A methodaccording to claim 44 and wherein said ultrasonic energy has a frequencyin a range of 100 KHz-500 KHz.
 61. A method according to claim 44 andwherein said ultrasonic energy has a frequency in a range of 150 KHz-300KHz.
 62. A method according to claim 44 and wherein said modulatingprovide s a duty cycle between 1:2 and 1:250.
 63. A method according toclaim 44 and wherein said modulating provide s a duty cycle between 1:5and 1:30.
 64. A method according to claim 44 and wherein said modulatingprovides a duty cycle between 1:10 and 1:20.
 65. A method according toclaim 60 and wherein said modulating provides a duty cycle between 1:10and 1:20.
 66. A method according to claim 44 and wherein said modulatingprovides between 2 and 1000 sequential cycles at an amplitude above acavitation threshold.
 67. A method according to claim 44 and whereinsaid modulating provides between 25 and 500 sequential cycles at anamplitude above a cavitation threshold.
 68. A method according to claim44 and wherein said modulating provides between 100 and 300 sequentialcycles at an amplitude above a cavitation threshold.
 69. A methodaccording to claim 60 and wherein said modulating provides between 100and 300 sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitation threshold.70. A method according to claim 67 and wherein said modulating providesbetween 100 and 300 sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitationthreshold.
 71. A method according to claim 44 and wherein saidmodulating comprises modulating the amplitude of said ultrasonic energyover time.
 72. A method according to claim 46 and wherein saidultrasonic energy has a frequency in a range of 50 KHz-1000 KHz.
 73. Amethod according to claim 46 and wherein said ultrasonic energy has afrequency in a range of 100 KHz-500 KHz.
 74. A method according to claim46 and wherein said ultrasonic energy has a frequency in a range of 150KHz-300 KHz.
 75. A method according to claim 46 and wherein saidmodulating provides a duty cycle between 1:2 and 1:250.
 76. A methodaccording to claim 46 and wherein said modulating provides a duty cyclebetween 1:5 and 1:30.
 77. A method according to claim 46 and whereinsaid modulating provides a duty cycle between 1:10 and 1:20.
 78. Amethod according to claim 74 and wherein said modulating provides a dutycycle between 1:10 and 1:20.
 79. A method according to claim 46 andwherein said modulating provides between 2 and 1000 sequential cycles atan amplitude above a cavitation threshold.
 80. A method according toclaim 46 and wherein said modulating provides between 25 and 500sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitation threshold.
 81. Amethod according to claim 46 and wherein said modulating providesbetween 100 and 300 sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitationthreshold.
 82. A method according to claim 74 and wherein saidmodulating provides between 100 and 300 sequential cycles at anamplitude above a cavitation threshold.
 83. A method according to claim81 and wherein said modulating provides between 100 and 300 sequentialcycles at an amplitude above a cavitation threshold.
 84. A methodaccording to claim 46 and wherein said modulating comprises modulatingthe amplitude of said ultrasonic energy over time.
 85. A method forlysing adipose tissue comprising the steps of: defining a region in abody at least partially by detecting spatial indications on said body;directing ultrasonic energy at a multiplicity of target volumes withinsaid region, which target volumes contain adipose tissue, thereby toselectively lyse said adipose tissue in said target volumes andgenerally not lyse non-adipose tissue in said target volumes.
 86. Amethod for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 85 and wherein saiddirecting includes directing focussed ultrasonic energy at amultiplicity of target volumes in a time sequence.
 87. A method forlysing adipose tissue according to claim 85 and wherein said directingincludes directing focussed ultrasonic energy at plural ones of saidmultiplicity of target volumes at times which at least partiallyoverlap.
 88. A method for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 85and wherein at least some of said multiplicity of target volumes atleast partially overlap in space.
 89. A method for lysing adipose tissueaccording to claim 85 and also comprising defining said region bymarking at least one surface of said body.
 90. A method for lysingadipose tissue according to claim 89 and also comprising defining saidregion by selecting at least one depth in said body.
 91. A method forlysing adipose tissue according to claim 89 and also comprising definingsaid region by detecting adipose tissue in said body.
 92. A method forlysing adipose tissue according to claim 91 and also comprising definingsaid region by detecting non-lysed adipose tissue.
 93. A method forlysing adipose tissue according to claim 92 and wherein said directingalso comprises defining said target volumes as unit volumes of non-lysedadipose tissue within said region.
 94. A method for lysing adiposetissue according to claim 93 and wherein said modulating said ultrasonicenergy so as to selectively lyse said adipose tissue in saidmultiplicity of target volumes proceeds sequentially in time whereinselective lysis of adipose tissue in each target volume takes place onlyfollowing detection of non-lysed adipose tissue therein.
 95. A methodfor lysing adipose tissue according to claim 91 and wherein saiddirecting also comprises defining said target volumes as unit volumes ofadipose tissue within said region.
 96. A method for lysing adiposetissue according to claim 95 and wherein said modulating said ultrasonicenergy so as to selectively lyse said adipose tissue in saidmultiplicity of target volumes proceeds sequentially in time whereinselective lysis of adipose tissue in each target volume takes place onlyfollowing detection of adipose tissue therein.
 97. A method for lysingadipose tissue according to claim 85 and also comprising computerizedtracking of said multiplicity of target volumes notwithstanding movementof said body.
 98. A method for lysing adipose tissue according to claim97 and wherein said computerized tracking includes sensing changes inthe position of markings on said body and employing sensed changes fortracking the positions of said target volumes in said body.
 99. A methodfor lysing adipose tissue comprising the steps of: directing ultrasonicenergy at a multiplicity of target volumes within said region, whichtarget volumes contain adipose tissue, thereby to selectively lyse saidadipose tissue in said target volumes and generally not lyse non-adiposetissue in said target volumes; and computerized tracking of saidmultiplicity of target volumes notwithstanding movement of said body.100. A method for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 99 andwherein said computerized tracking includes sensing changes in theposition of markings on said body and employing sensed changes fortracking the positions of said target volumes in said body. 101.Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue comprising: a focussed ultrasonicenergy director, directing focussed ultrasonic energy at a target volumein a region of a body containing adipose tissue; and a modulator,cooperating with said energy director to produce a focussed ultrasonicenergy so as to selectively lyse said adipose tissue in said targetvolume and generally not lyse non-adipose tissue in said target volume.102. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 101 andwherein said director generally prevents lysis of tissue outside of saidtarget volume.
 103. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according toclaim 101 and also comprising: an ultrasonic imager providing ultrasonicimaging of said region at least partially concurrently with directingsaid focussed ultrasonic energy at said target volume.
 104. Apparatusfor lysing adipose tissue according to claim 101 and wherein saiddirector comprises a positioner, positioning at least one ultrasonictransducer relative to said body in order to direct said focussedultrasonic energy at said target volume.
 105. Apparatus for lysingadipose tissue according to claim 101 and wherein said director variesthe focus of at least one ultrasonic transducer in order to direct saidfocussed ultrasonic energy at said target volume.
 106. Apparatus forlysing adipose tissue according to claim 105 and wherein varying thefocus changes the volume of said target volume.
 107. Apparatus forlysing adipose tissue according to claim 105 and wherein varying thefocus changes the distance of said target volume from said at least oneultrasonic transducer.
 108. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissueaccording to claim 103 and wherein said director positions at least oneultrasonic transducer relative to said body in order to direct saidfocussed ultrasonic energy at said target volume.
 109. Apparatus forlysing adipose tissue according to claim 103 and wherein said directorvaries the focus of at least one ultrasonic transducer in order todirect said focussed ultrasonic energy at said target volume. 110.Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 109 and whereinvarying the focus changes the volume of said target volume. 111.Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 109 and whereinvarying the focus changes the distance of said target volume from saidat least one ultrasonic transducer.
 112. Apparatus for lysing adiposetissue according to claim 101 and also comprising a sensor, sensingultrasonic energy coupling to an external surface of said body adjacentsaid target volume.
 113. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue accordingto claim 101 and also comprising a sensor, sensing of cavitation at saidtarget volume.
 114. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according toclaim 103 and also comprising a sensor, sensing ultrasonic energycoupling to an external surface of said body adjacent said targetvolume.
 115. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 103and also comprising a sensor, sensing of cavitation at said targetvolume.
 116. Apparatus according to claim 101 and wherein said directorcomprises an ultrasonic transducer located outside of the body. 117.Apparatus according to claim 103 and wherein said director comprises anultrasonic transducer located outside of the body.
 118. Apparatusaccording to claim 101 and wherein said ultrasonic energy has afrequency in a range of 50 KHz-1000 KHz.
 119. Apparatus according toclaim 101 and wherein said ultrasonic energy has a frequency in a rangeof 100 KHz-500 KHz.
 120. Apparatus according to claim 101 and whereinsaid ultrasonic energy has a frequency in a range of 150 KHz-300 KHz.121. Apparatus according to claim 101 and wherein said modulatorprovides a duty cycle between 1:2 and 1:250.
 122. Apparatus according toclaim 101 and wherein said modulator provides a duty cycle between 1:5and 1:30.
 123. Apparatus according to claim 101 and wherein saidmodulator provides a duty cycle between 1:10 and 1:20.
 124. Apparatusaccording to claim 20 and wherein said modulator provides a duty cyclebetween 1:10 and 1:20.
 125. Apparatus according to claim 101 and whereinsaid modulator provides between 2 and 1000 sequential cycles at anamplitude above a cavitation threshold.
 126. Apparatus according toclaim 101 and wherein said modulator provides between 25 and 500sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitation threshold. 127.Apparatus according to claim 101 and wherein said modulator providesbetween 100 and 300 sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitationthreshold.
 128. Apparatus according to claim 120 and wherein saidmodulator provides between 100 and 300 sequential cycles at an amplitudeabove a cavitation threshold.
 129. Apparatus according to claim 124 andwherein said modulator provides between 100 and 300 sequential cycles atan amplitude above a cavitation threshold.
 130. Apparatus according toclaim 101 and wherein said modulator modulates the amplitude of saidultrasonic energy over time.
 131. Apparatus according to claim 103 andwherein said ultrasonic energy has a frequency in a range of 50 KHz-1000KHz.
 132. Apparatus according to claim 103 and wherein said ultrasonicenergy has a frequency in a range of 100 KHz-500 KHz.
 133. Apparatusaccording to claim 103 and wherein said ultrasonic energy has afrequency in a range of 150 KHz-300 KHz.
 134. Apparatus according toclaim 103 and wherein said modulator provides a duty cycle between 1:2and 1:250.
 135. Apparatus according to claim 103 and wherein saidmodulator provides a duty cycle between 1:5 and 1:30.
 136. Apparatusaccording to claim 103 and wherein said modulator provides a duty cyclebetween 1:10 and 1:20.
 137. Apparatus according to claim 133 and whereinsaid modulator provides a duty cycle between 1:10 and 1:20. 138.Apparatus according to claim 103 and wherein said modulator providesbetween 2 and 1000 sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitationthreshold.
 139. Apparatus according to claim 103 and wherein saidmodulator provides between 25 and 500 sequential cycles at an amplitudeabove a cavitation threshold.
 140. Apparatus according to claim 103 andwherein said modulator provides between 100 and 300 sequential cycles atan amplitude above a cavitation threshold.
 141. Apparatus according toclaim 133 and wherein said modulator provides between 100 and 300sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitation threshold. 142.Apparatus according to claim 137 and wherein said modulator providesbetween 100 and 300 sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitationthreshold.
 143. Apparatus according to claim 103 and wherein saidmodulator modulates the amplitude of said ultrasonic energy over time.144. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue comprising: a source outside abody generating ultrasonic energy; an ultrasonic energy director, whichemploys said ultrasonic energy to selectively generally lyse adiposetissue and generally not lyse non-adipose tissue in a target volume of abody containing adipose tissue.
 145. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissueaccording to claim 144 and wherein said director generally preventslysis of tissue outside of said target volume.
 146. Apparatus for lysingadipose tissue according to claim 144 and also comprising: an ultrasonicimager, providing ultrasonic imaging of said region at least partiallyconcurrently with directing said ultrasonic energy at said targetvolume.
 147. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 144and wherein said director comprises positioning at least one ultrasonictransducer relative to said body in order to direct said ultrasonicenergy at said target volume.
 148. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissueaccording to claim 144 and wherein said director varies the focus of atleast one ultrasonic transducer in order to direct said ultrasonicenergy at said target volume.
 149. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissueaccording to claim 148 and wherein varying the focus changes the volumeof said target volume.
 150. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissueaccording to claim 148 and wherein varying the focus changes thedistance of said target volume from said at least one ultrasonictransducer.
 151. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according to claim146 and wherein said director positions at least one ultrasonictransducer relative to said body in order to direct said focussedultrasonic energy at said target volume.
 152. Apparatus for lysingadipose tissue according to claim 146 and wherein said directorcomprises varying the focus of at least one ultrasonic transducer inorder to direct said focussed ultrasonic energy at said target volume.153. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 150 andwherein varying the focus changes the volume of said target volume. 154.Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 150 and whereinvarying the focus changes the distance of said target volume from saidat least one ultrasonic transducer.
 155. Apparatus for lysing adiposetissue according to claim 144 and also comprising a sensor, sensingultrasonic energy coupling to an external surface of said body adjacentsaid target volume.
 156. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue accordingto claim 144 and also comprising a sensor, sensing of cavitation at saidtarget volume.
 157. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according toclaim 146 and also comprising a sensor, sensing ultrasonic energycoupling to an external surface of said body adjacent said targetvolume.
 158. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 146and also comprising a sensor, sensing of cavitation at said targetvolume.
 159. Apparatus according to claim 144 and wherein saidultrasonic energy has a frequency in a range of 50 KHz-1000 KHz. 160.Apparatus according to claim 144 and wherein said ultrasonic energy hasa frequency in a range of 100 KHz-500 KHz.
 161. Apparatus according toclaim 144 and wherein said ultrasonic energy has a frequency in a rangeof 150 KHz-300 KHz.
 162. Apparatus according to claim 144 and whereinsaid modulator provides a duty cycle between 1:2 and 1:250. 163.Apparatus according to claim 144 and wherein said modulator provides aduty cycle between 1:5 and 1:30.
 164. Apparatus according to claim 144and wherein said modulator provides a duty cycle between 1:10 and 1:20.165. Apparatus according to claim 161 and wherein said modulatorprovides a duty cycle between 1:10 and 1:20.
 166. Apparatus according toclaim 144 and wherein said modulator provides between 2 and 1000sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitation threshold. 167.Apparatus according to claim 144 and wherein said modulator providesbetween 25 and 500 sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitationthreshold.
 168. Apparatus according to claim 144 and wherein saidmodulator provides between 100 and 300 sequential cycles at an amplitudeabove a cavitation threshold.
 169. Apparatus according to claim 161 andwherein said modulator provides between 100 and 300 sequential cycles atan amplitude above a cavitation threshold.
 170. Apparatus according toclaim 165 and wherein said modulator provides between 100 and 300sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitation threshold. 171.Apparatus according to claim 144 and wherein said modulator comprisesmodulator the amplitude of said ultrasonic energy over time. 172.Apparatus according to claim 146 and wherein said ultrasonic energy hasa frequency in a range of 50 KHz-1000 KHz.
 173. Apparatus according toclaim 146 and wherein said ultrasonic energy has a frequency in a rangeof 100 KHz-500 KHz.
 174. Apparatus according to claim 146 and whereinsaid ultrasonic energy has a frequency in a range of 150 KHz-300 KHz.175. Apparatus according to claim 146 and wherein said modulatorprovides a duty cycle between 1:2 and 1:250.
 176. Apparatus according toclaim 146 and wherein said modulator provides a duty cycle between 1:5and 1:30.
 177. Apparatus according to claim 146 and wherein saidmodulator provides a duty cycle between 1:10 and 1:20.
 178. Apparatusaccording to claim 174 and wherein said modulator provides a duty cyclebetween 1:10 and 1:20.
 179. Apparatus according to claim 146 and whereinsaid modulator provides between 2 and 1000 sequential cycles at anamplitude above a cavitation threshold.
 180. Apparatus according toclaim 146 and wherein said modulator provides between 25 and 500sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitation threshold. 181.Apparatus according to claim 146 and wherein said modulator providesbetween 100 and 300 sequential cycles at an amplitude above a cavitationthreshold.
 182. Apparatus according to claim 174 and wherein saidmodulator provides between 100 and 300 sequential cycles at an amplitudeabove a cavitation threshold.
 183. Apparatus according to claim 178 andwherein said modulator provides between 100 and 300 sequential cycles atan amplitude above a cavitation threshold.
 184. Apparatus according toclaim 146 and wherein said modulator comprises modulator the amplitudeof said ultrasonic energy over time.
 185. Apparatus for lysing adiposetissue comprising the steps of: a region definer, defining a region in abody at least partially by detecting spatial indications on said body;and a director, directing ultrasonic energy at a multiplicity of targetvolumes within said region, which target volumes contain adipose tissuethereby to selectively lyse said adipose tissue in said target volumesand generally not lyse non-adipose tissue in said target volumes. 186.Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 185 and whereinsaid director directs focussed ultrasonic energy at said multiplicity oftarget volumes in a time sequence.
 187. Apparatus for lysing adiposetissue according to claim 185 and wherein said director directs focussedultrasonic energy at plural ones of said multiplicity of target volumesat times which at least partially overlap.
 188. Apparatus for lysingadipose tissue according to claim 185 and wherein at least some of saidmultiplicity of target volumes at least partially overlap in space. 189.Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 185 and whereinsaid definer employs marking at least one surface of said body. 190.Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 189 and whereinsaid definer also employs selection of at least one depth in said body.191. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 189 andwherein said definer detects adipose tissue in said body.
 192. Apparatusfor lysing adipose tissue according to claim 191 and wherein saiddefiner defines said region at least partially by detecting non-lysedadipose tissue.
 193. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according toclaim 192 and wherein said director also defines said target volumes asunit volumes of non-lysed adipose tissue within said region. 194.Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 193 and whereinsaid director proceeds sequentially in time wherein selective lysis ofadipose tissue in each target volume takes place only followingdetection of non-lysed adipose tissue therein.
 195. Apparatus for lysingadipose tissue according to claim 191 and wherein said director alsodefines said target volumes as unit volumes of adipose tissue withinsaid region.
 196. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according to claim195 and wherein said director proceeds sequentially in time whereinselective lysis of adipose tissue in each target volume takes place onlyfollowing detection of adipose tissue therein.
 197. Apparatus for lysingadipose tissue according to claim 185 and also comprising computerizedtracking functionality providing computerized tracking of saidmultiplicity of target volumes notwithstanding movement of said body.198. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 197 andwherein said computerized tracking functionality is operative to sensechanges in the position of markings on-said body and to employ sensedchanges for tracking the positions of said target volumes in said body.199. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue comprising: a director,directing ultrasonic energy at a multiplicity of target volumes withinsaid region, which target volumes contain adipose tissue, thereby toselectively lyse said adipose tissue in said target volumes andgenerally not lyse non-adipose tissue in said target volumes; andcomputerized tracking functionality providing computerized tracking ofsaid multiplicity of target volumes notwithstanding movement of saidbody.
 200. Apparatus for lysing adipose tissue according to claim 199and wherein said computerized tracking functionality is operative tosense changes in the position of markings on said body and to employsensed changes for tracking the positions of said target volumes in saidbody.